: I'm 6'-6"/185 lbs. I built the Chesapeake 17, and I could probably
: handle the 16. I don't camp in it that much, so most of the time, it's
: just a bit too much boat. The LT 17 is an option I'd have considered, but
: they brought it out about a year after I built my boat.

: There's a young girl in my town who built two Chesapeake 18's with her
: father. She and her mom came into the local boat shop while I was there to
: buy paddles. I visited with them a bit about boats, and she was so excited
: that I didn't have the heart to tell her she was in a way-too-big boat.
: That 100lb girl is going to have some interesting trips unless she brings
: two big block Chevy engines to place fore and aft to trim out her boat.

: Shawn

: Shawn

Gotta feel bad for her.

My SO paddles my 18 on occasion (but not anymore since the Merganser 16 is done) and it rides way high and she is 125 lbs and 5-7. I think she has about 2" of boat in the water and thats about it. better than not paddling though i guess. Plus the cockpit fits her rather loosely as well - imagine that......

pictures went to the printers about a week ago and then I'll have the purpleheart coaming and everything else neat on the web. let you allknow when.

Tonight (if weather is good) is truely the offical maiden voyage of the Merganser 16.

everything but bungies on the deck and carrylines are completed. big burden off my back..... and on to the stripper ;)

Pete czerpak albany, NY